EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) – After the longest offseason of his career, Kobe Bryant pulled on his familiar gold jersey Monday and went back to work with the Los Angeles Lakers, quietly believing his 19th NBA season will be better than almost anybody expects.
Bryant is walking confidently on his left leg, and he’s already running and jumping better than new coach Byron Scott imagined would be possible on a surgically repaired Achilles tendon and the once-broken bone near his knee.
Bryant is reluctant to make any bold predictions about his return from the injuries that limited him to six games last season. Scott isn’t shy in saying he expects Bryant to be able to play all 82 games while averaging more than 20 points.
The Lakers’ hopes are hinging on Bryant’s health.
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